I wanted to write a beautiful and lighthearted tribute to the Black women for Women’s History Month. But that groove was disturbed when I took the time to scroll down my Facebook timeline and learn of two shootings–one in my old neighborhood and the other that was happening literally two blocks away from me. My joy was stolen by a frequent occurrence in Chicago. Whenever … Continue reading Heavy is the Head That Wears the Crown

For more than thirty years, America has recognized March as Women’s History Month, honoring contributions made by women throughout the history of this country. In the same spirit, One Voice celebrates the role Black Women play throughout history and present and the majesty with which we navigate and resolve the issues that uniquely affect us and our families. Only we think we’re important enough to … Continue reading One Voice Honors The Girl In The Alley

What I started to write about I wanted to write this as a Black History Month Trauma Article but I couldn’t. I wanted to set apart the differences between how black kids are supported during times of trauma and kids of other colors. I wanted to tell about the disparities and disproportionate support systems offered at schools that support black and brown kids as opposed … Continue reading Bernita: Trauma, Depression & Being There For Everyone

“Naw fam. We been woke as hell.” Angela Rye Have we, though? For the past 2 weeks, I have had some real, real woke moments in my life that had me questioning my purpose. I took some time, sat down and reevaluated my calling as an educator. I realized I needed those wake-up calls to ask myself, “Are you really woke though?” I discovered I … Continue reading Dia: A Tale of Two Woke Lessons

One Voice honors black history, present and future three hundred sixty-five days a year through our fight for black children’s right to an excellent education. We do this because we understand the value of The Village, a makeshift community of skinfolk who have each other’s back, picking up the slack wherever we find lack. Throughout the history of dark-skinned people from the African diaspora, The … Continue reading Honoring Black History, Present, and Future Through The Lens Of The Village

Two years ago, I sat in a diversity sensitivity training for new teachers led by a friend who’d asked me to attend for emotional support. The room filled with youthful exuberance and confidence, mostly white and female, would soon be unceremoniously doused by my friend’s real-life examples of grave educational injustices inflicted upon children of color and stories of parents and grandparents fighting like hell to … Continue reading Vesia: Black Girl, Interrupted: From School To The School Board

The following is an excerpt from an untitled and unpublished novel. This is a work of realistic fiction. All names, characters, places, and experiences are either of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, places, or occurrences is completely coincidental. Please be advised that this writing includes material that could be considered graphic and may incite strong emotions in the … Continue reading Kelli: A Work Of “Realistic Fiction” Tackling Student Death From An Educator’s Perspective

Detroit mother, family advocate inspires community conversations by sharing her own captivating tale of surviving sexual assault and battles with depression. As the #MeToo and Women’s March movements embolden women across the nation to stand up and tell their stories, Detroit native and revered community advocate Bernita Bradley brings readers a raw, honest look at how she reclaimed her voice and her soul after surviving … Continue reading Bernita: #AlleyGirl, A Published Author